Stigma and Fear Prevent Northern Virginians from Seeking Addiction Care

The 2026 Act on Addiction survey found that less than 20% of respondents recognize substance use as a brain disorder. This clinical reality involves functional changes to brain circuits governing reward and self-control, yet the public remains largely unaware of the science. Nearly 90% of those surveyed agreed that shifting this perception could significantly reduce community stigma.

Data highlights a critical trust gap, as less than half of respondents believe their neighbors would support someone openly discussing their recovery. This lack of confidence is even more pronounced among women and minority populations. These findings mirror a national crisis; in 2022, over 40 million people across the country failed to receive necessary substance use treatment. In Virginia, the scale of the challenge is underscored by CDC data showing that only 30.7% of overdose victims in 2024 had received prior clinical support for their condition.

To bridge this divide, Inova is hosting a community event, "Connection Changes the Brain," on October 6 at the Inova Center for Personalized Health in Fairfax. The initiative, supported by the Hitt family, aims to replace harmful stereotypes with science-backed education. By fostering open dialogue, health officials hope to dismantle the barriers that keep individuals from accessing life-saving resources.